Posting a letter Phil just sent out today via email for those who are not on the Vineyard USA email list.

Dear Vineyard Brothers and Sisters-

Over 20 years ago, I had my first introduction to the Vineyard at a National Conference in Denver, Colorado. Conferences have played a huge part in shaping the Vineyard movement, and I’m looking forward to welcoming many of you to the National Leadership Conference in July– this time in Anaheim.

The theme of our time together will be “The Vineyard Movement: All In.” As we enter the second generation of Vineyard history, we have sensed the Spirit inviting us to become a more integrated family. We want to welcome young and old, men and women, all ethnicities and all backgrounds to play a part in writing this next chapter of our history.

We have a diverse group of speakers lines up for our main sessions along with the worship, ministry times, and excellent workshops that have highlighted our conferences in the past. There will be programming for the whole family, including kids and youth. And beyond the official goings-on, the invaluable chance to make new Vineyard friends and catch up with old ones.

Our hope is that this conference will be the beginning of a new era in the Vineyard. An old Vineyard aphorism is that “leaders show up.” I believe that attending this conference is not simply a chance for you to hear talks and receive ministry, but to take part in shaping and influencing the direction of our movement.

One other way we can invite “all-in” to our movement is to make sure as many people as possible are able to attend. Are there church planters, or less-resourced churches in your area? Perhaps one form of community would be for churches to band together to help every pastor and their family attend the conference. Several areas have already taken this step of inclusivity, and it has encouraged community between their churches.

Next month, our newsletter will highlight an exciting new initiative called the Vineyard Institute.  This new initiative will seek to be an umbrella educational provider to and from the multinational, multicultural, and multigenerational Vineyard community.  The Vineyard Institute will be an independent non-profit created for the entire Vineyard family but not controlled by any individual AVC or church. Board members are Vineyard leaders from all over the globe with a passion for theological education and training. We are excited to provide more details about all the opportunities to shape and use this resource in the coming months.

I’m looking forward to spending time with many of you this July in California. We are truly all in this together.

For the greater glory of God and the well being of people,

Phil Strout
National Director, Vineyard USA